Gunmen Kill Two While Abducting Popular Businessman

Tragedy struck in Ilara, a town in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, as gunmen suspected to be kidnappers killed two individuals and abducted a well-known businessman, Chief Adepegba Bankole, popularly known as Ade Bendel. The attack occurred late Wednesday night, April 30, 2025, around 11 p.m., when the assailants stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately.

Confirming the incident on Thursday, the town’s monarch, Oba Mutiu Adedimeji, told *Punch* that the attackers killed two people during the operation and escaped into the Republic of Benin, abandoning the victim’s vehicle along the way. According to the traditional ruler, the vehicle was later found in Sabe, a town in Benin Republic, suggesting the kidnappers used that route to flee.

A local youth leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that the gunmen had trailed Chief Bankole to his hotel before launching the attack. He added that two people were struck by stray bullets during the shooting spree, including a female staff member of the hotel.

Another resident, identified simply as Ade, said the sound of gunshots triggered panic throughout the town. In the chaos, two women sustained injuries after falling into a ditch while attempting to escape.